Statements in Meeting with Representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Welcome, dear brothers and sisters, and thank you for your efforts. We hope that the Almighty God grants abundant rewards for every moment of your endeavors, diligence, and sense of responsibility.

We thank Mr. Larijani for the excellent report he provided; and especially for the clear and explicit stance he expressed regarding the arrogant powers, the United States, and the international bullies, as articulated by you, the esteemed representatives. Indeed, these sentiments reflect the current state of our people, and we must truly be grateful to God for granting us the understanding and insight that our nation has maintained over these three decades regarding the delineations and alignments in the world, as well as the implications and objectives of these alignments. The truth is that one of the problems and predicaments of nations is the lack of this awareness or negligence towards it, which harms them in global transformations and various events, leading them to make mistakes at critical political junctures. If the major global alignments in politics and economics are clear to nations, and they think about them consciously, keeping the objectives of these alignments in mind, the sword of the arrogant powers will be dulled. The aim of the extensive propaganda you observe—how many media and propaganda tools are currently at the service of the policies of the arrogant powers—is primarily to cloud and obscure the atmosphere, so that nations cannot attain or maintain this awareness and insight. Our nation has preserved this, and it deserves immense gratitude.

I must express my gratitude to the esteemed Parliament for demonstrating these positions clearly throughout this term and, God willing, until the end of the term. It would have been a great embarrassment for the country and the revolution if the Parliament had, at any point, erred in one of these important political matters or failed to take a stance, or worse, took a wrong stance. The fact that the Parliament has stood firm and clear in various political issues around the world, amidst the assaults of the enemy against the Islamic Republic, is truly a matter of pride and gratitude. I sincerely thank you and insist that these positions continue with the same strength and firmness, as the challenge between the Islamic revolution and global arrogance is a continuous and ongoing struggle. Of course, by the grace of God, it will not last forever; with the passage of time, the balance of the Islamic system will become heavier and stronger. The day the enemies feel despair, their assaults will diminish and gradually fade away; however, until that day, the steadfastness of the nation and the elites is essential and necessary; this must be continued. Let us not neglect the subtleties in the way the revolution interacts with the enemy. Let us see what the enemy's plan regarding the revolution is today. In common parlance, let us guess the enemy's scenario and see what they are after. If we can understand correctly, predict accurately, and plan our actions in response to the enemy's scenario, the enemy will undoubtedly be defeated.

All evidence indicates that the enemy today relies on several key points. One of the most obvious is the issue of the economy. Our declaration this year as the "Year of Economic Jihad" pertains to this aspect. Bringing the country to its knees economically, pushing it back in economic terms, leading to the paralysis of economic foundations, and resulting in the despair of the people is one of their fundamental tasks. This is clear; they themselves express it and say so. This outlines a clear path for the Parliament, the government, and each individual responsible in various sectors regarding what must be done.

Another clear point is creating discord among the managing bodies of the country; this is also one of their fundamental tasks. They do not even hide this issue. It is not that they do not want to conceal it; it is simply not concealable. The nature of the enemies' actions in these significant and international matters necessitates that they engage in certain actions and make certain statements; thus, their strategies and policies do not remain hidden. They seek to create discord. They inject this discord in any way they can; we must remain vigilant. Differences in taste, opinion, and political beliefs should not lead to conflict among the factions of the country or among the elements of the country. The great sin of the instigators in 2009 was that, if we look at it optimistically and say they had some doubts or misconceptions, they presented this doubt as a challenge to the Islamic system. This great sin cannot be overlooked; its effects still persist in our society. However, the nation is a vigilant one. The necessary level of understanding and insight among this nation allows many of these events to be concealed and gradually their effects to fade away; yet, they struck because of this. Creating disputes, grabbing each other's throats, and deepening discord is one of the very bad and reprehensible actions; this is precisely what the enemy desires.

You in the Islamic Consultative Assembly must fulfill your role in this regard. This matter is not related to the political faction of the individual in the Parliament, nor to their political tastes; it does not matter; the issue is one of defending the country, defending the revolution, defending Islam, and defending the great achievements of the Iranian nation; this is a common concern among all factions, except for those who are foreign; otherwise, it is common among factions that believe—regardless of their political affiliations.

Another clear and fundamental point is diluting Islamic beliefs and sentiments and infiltrating atheistic and quasi-atheistic thoughts through various means; this is part of their policies. Various propaganda apparatuses are employed with substantial funds and comprehensive efforts to change the minds of our youth. Of course, this is not limited to our youth. Today, in the same Arab countries where these uprisings and revolutions have occurred, the same issue is being pursued with intensity; they are following it. They have spent billions of dollars to change the minds and thoughts of the youth who gathered in certain squares in Cairo or Tunis and created those significant events. These are occurrences that are happening. These are not guesses or analyses; they are facts. The enemy is busy; they are engaged with all their might. Such actions are being carried out by the enemy. There is the promotion of corruption, the promotion of immorality, and the creation of doubt in beliefs.

The enemy has prepared a comprehensive and well-structured scenario for the Islamic system and for the Islamic movement and awakening. Fortunately, we have the capability to confront this scenario; there is no doubt about it. I assert this with certainty: with the rich and strong ideological, philosophical, and belief-based resources that exist among us—now, the potential efforts are another matter—with the dedicated and capable human resources, this sufficiency exists in the Islamic Republic system to confront this assault; just as the Islamic Republic has demonstrated this capability over these thirty-two years. Over these thirty-two years, we have not been idle. Continuous efforts have been made, continuous thoughts have been generated, and their think tanks have been actively working. They have spent money, continuously proposed plans, appointed individuals, assigned missions, and engaged in diplomacy to the best of their abilities; yet, the result has been that the Islamic Republic has advanced, and they have retreated. Of course, if it were not for some of our shortcomings, some of our ethical and unethical weaknesses, we would have progressed even further. Ultimately, there have been issues among us; however, despite these issues, we have clearly and manifestly advanced, while the enemy has clearly and manifestly retreated. The America of the Reagan era is worlds apart from the America of the Obama era. The Islamic Republic of 1980 is also worlds apart from the Islamic Republic of 2010. We have advanced, and they have retreated. Therefore, the capability to confront exists, but there is a fear that we may either become negligent or become arrogant; both are dangerous. We must neither be negligent nor become preoccupied with peripheral matters, nor should we become arrogant and underestimate the enemy; we must remain vigilant. Each of us is addressed by this message. That is, you, the two hundred and ninety representatives in the Parliament, each of you is individually addressed by this divine message and this divine responsibility; you must be cautious. The government must also be the same, the judicial officials must be the same, and the officials in various sectors of the country must also be the same; military personnel in one way, civilians in another, and all people in the same way; we are all responsible; however, the responsibility of government officials is a defined and clear responsibility. We are all responsible, meaning we should view our jobs with this perspective; I in my job, you in your job, and others in their jobs.

We have taken on a heavy burden of trust. The Almighty God has placed this burden of trust upon us. There is no option to say, "Very well, we do not want this trust;" no, this is a trust that must be carried out powerfully and faithfully to its destination. Everything we do—whether political, intellectual, economic, or managerial—must be viewed through this lens. If we work without this perspective, there is a risk that our actions will run counter to these objectives; then, there will be divine accountability. The Almighty God does not overlook such great sins. Imam Khomeini (may his soul be sanctified) had this expression regarding several social issues and political violations: this is a sin that God will not forgive, as repentance is not easy. Well, if a person repents from any sin, God forgives; but when a person commits an act that harms a nation, how can this be repented? How can one compensate for it? How can one seek forgiveness from each individual who has been harmed? Therefore, God does not forgive such sins. The sensitivity of my and your positions is from this perspective.

Now, let us take a look at regional issues, global matters, and general issues of the country, as we have mentioned. Fortunately, the positions of the Parliament and the government have been good; they have stood firm. The officials of the country have fortunately been able to convey the clear voice of the revolution above the various uproars that have engulfed the region. Despite the uproar and commotion created by the enemies, the Iranian nation and the officials of the country have managed to convey the correct, sound, and logical message to the ears of the people in the region. Fortunately, this has happened and must continue.

Well, it is a battlefield. In a battlefield, one must expect to be hit; one must also be prepared to strike back. The enemy is not idle; they also strike. One must see oneself in this vast international battlefield. This is not a matter of peace and gentleness. Even where soft words are spoken, behind those soft words lies a drawn dagger waiting for an opportunity to plunge into the heart of the opponent. Therefore, one must be awake, one must be vigilant. This vigilance exists, this awakening exists. My recommendation and emphasis is to maintain and preserve this.

Of course, I must say this; this is a place for collective piety. We have individual piety, where each person must constantly keep themselves under surveillance. Complete piety is that a person constantly keeps themselves under surveillance; like someone moving in a thicket of thorns—this example exists in narrations and the words of the greats—must always be attentive; that is, they must watch their steps. If one becomes negligent, the thorn will catch their garment, tear their clothes, and injure their feet. Piety has been likened to moving in a thorny area. Well, this is individual piety and is necessary; the only way to achieve success and salvation is through this. If someone wants to attain salvation, they must have piety. The more this state exists, the greater the success and salvation.

We also have collective piety. Collective piety means that groups must be vigilant about themselves. The group, as a collective, must be vigilant about themselves. The negligence of groups regarding their entirety leads to even those individuals within those groups who have individual piety to be swept away by the general movement of those groups and end up in places they do not wish to be. Over these thirty years, we have suffered blows from this aspect. One of the places where we have shown weakness was precisely this.

In previous decades, there was a movement in the country known as the leftist movement. They also had good slogans, but they did not keep themselves vigilant and did not exercise collective piety. Among them were individuals who had individual piety, but the lack of collective piety led them to a point where an instigator against Imam Hussein, against Islam, against the Imam, and against the revolution could rely on them! They did not come out with anti-Imam and anti-revolution slogans, but the one who shouted anti-Imam and anti-revolution slogans was able to rely on them; this is a very great danger. They slipped. Therefore, collective piety is necessary.

Last year, I told you to establish self-monitoring within the Islamic Consultative Assembly. This is the same collective piety. The collective must safeguard itself. Now, there have been discussions here and there that representatives must be free, and so on. No one opposes the freedom of representatives; they oppose the misconduct of representatives. A misbehaving representative can tarnish the reputation of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and accuse it; is that not a shame? This great institution, this fundamental legal body in the country.

At the beginning of the revolution, we went to Imam to introduce one of our prominent figures as a presidential candidate so that Imam would accept him, and we could present him in the Islamic Republic Party as the president. Imam did not accept for a reason. Then we were told to go to the Parliament; the Parliament is important. From the perspective of the leader of the revolution and the founder of this system and the creator of this institution, the Parliament holds such a position. Well, this must be preserved, its dignity must be maintained, and its image must be upheld; this requires self-monitoring. If this self-monitoring is absent, problems will arise; you can see it yourself. I made recommendations regarding this last year. Recently, some work has been done in the Parliament regarding this matter, but the importance of this issue has not been fully grasped. This self-monitoring is collective piety.

In the Parliament, there are various tastes and different factions. I do not insist that all factions must unify; no, differences in taste, thought, and political beliefs exist and are natural. These differences in tastes are beneficial in many cases; there may be some instances where they have drawbacks. There is no insistence that these lines must be erased; the insistence is primarily on what I previously mentioned: they should not grab each other's throats; differences in taste should not lead to conflict and blood feuds, forgetting about America. Unfortunately, some of our factions behave this way. When they oppose the other side, they forget about America, forget about Israel, forget about the opponents of the revolution and the enemies of the Imam; the main contradiction becomes the one opposing them! Well, this is wrong. Therefore, factions should not engage in such disputes and conflicts with each other. Secondly, they should exercise self-control among themselves, maintain self-discipline, and not allow their movement to deviate; otherwise, among these movements, there are many good individuals; however, when the movement encounters problems, it sweeps away the good individuals with it. These points are among the clear and natural matters. I do not intend to elaborate further for my brothers and sisters.

There is one point I find necessary to mention now. Since this year is the last year of the representation of this Parliament and friends and dear ones, be cautious that due to the elections at the end of the year, the remaining ten months do not lead to stagnation and inactivity in the Parliament. There is a fear that the attention of friends and esteemed representatives to the event of the twelfth of Esfand may overshadow all necessary work in the period between now and the twelfth of Esfand. I request that this does not happen. I have made this recommendation to all governments that they should be cautious not to become lax in the last year. This is even more important for the Parliament, as the danger is greater. The last year for governments is only that it is their last year; they cannot have efforts and movements for the continuation of their responsibilities; however, a representative of the Parliament can strive, whatever they can do. This effort should not overshadow the current duties—which are necessary and critical. I earnestly request my brothers and sisters to observe this.

Another issue is getting close to the powerful and wealthy; we must express this to you without any hesitation. After all, we are brothers; we must advise each other to the truth and to goodness. It is a very great danger for someone to get close to the wealthy or the powerful for the sake of securing representation in a term; this is a very bad thing; this is one of those things that the Almighty God does not forgive and will take revenge for. These matters have a negative impact on the individual, on the ultimate fate—which we value so much—and on society.

In this oversight plan, which has now been approved in general, friends should arrange it in such a way that real oversight is conducted; that is, a barter-like mechanism should not arise. Act in such a way that a truly insightful eye from within the Parliament monitors it. It should not be the case that hesitance and barter dominate this matter.

Another recommendation I always have is to cooperate with the executive branch—both the executive and the judicial branches, but primarily the executive; because the Parliament deals with the executive. There must be cooperation. The work should not be organized or advanced in such a way that it implies conflict and disagreement; this has very bad effects on the people. Sometimes it is seen that, for example, in the Parliament, in a speech, in a statement, something is said. Well, once a statement is made, it is thrown out. If, God forbid, it is a statement that accuses someone or a group, it is not easy to compensate for it; it discourages the people. Today, officials are making efforts and working. Do not say that such and such weaknesses exist. I am aware of the weaknesses. Perhaps I know some weaknesses that many others do not. Despite these weaknesses, what exists today in the executive branch is a good and desirable structure. Work is being done in the country. Well, cooperation must occur; the Parliament must assist the government, and the government must assist the Parliament; both the law is the final word for the actions of the government, and the inclinations and determinations of the government are a reference for the legislator regarding the quality of legislation. This matter does not contradict the independence of the Parliament. I have been a member of the Parliament and a head of government; I have experienced both places. Over these many years, I have seen both Parliaments and governments. There is no problem for a Parliament to draft a correct, strong, and logical law in such a way that the government's actions according to that law are practical, feasible, and easy. If this happens, it does not mean that the Parliament lacks independence. Some people, who perhaps do not want the Parliament to exist, have become concerned about the independence of the Parliament: "Oh, the Parliament must be independent!" This does not contradict the independence of the Parliament. One must look at how the government can act, how it can act better, and how it can act more easily, draft the law, and put it into this stream; this is possible, and there is no problem with it. On the other hand, when the law is prepared and finalized, the government is obliged to act according to that law with all its existence, with all its might, without making excuses. The two sides of the matter are like this; that is, both can help each other, cooperate; this is necessary, and it must be done. If excuses arise from both sides; one side says no, we will not do this law because the government wants it this way; the other side says because this law has this flaw, we will not comply; well, this cannot happen; the situation of the country will not function. Cooperation is good; cooperation, harmony, and moderation. We have narrations regarding cooperation. Cooperation means compatibility; one must show compatibility. The one with whom one should not cooperate is the enemy; one must show compatibility with friends. Ultimately, they must endure; one must tolerate something from the other.

Well, elections are also approaching. Elections are important. Elections are the flag and symbol of the Islamic Republic system. To the dismay of the enemies, we have, thank God, always held elections on time without any delay; this is very important. Since the first election in 1979 until today, thirty-two elections have been held; on time, with precision. They truly exhausted themselves trying to delay the parliamentary elections at some point, but they could not. The heads of the branches conspired together not to allow the parliamentary elections to be held on time, but they could not. They tried very hard, came, discussed, spoke, wrote newspapers, collected signatures, mobilized government officials, but thank God, they could not. After this, by God's grace, it will continue to be so. Elections are important. Elections are a banner of pride for us; they are a sign of religious democracy. Elections must be conducted well. Until today, despite all the unethical behaviors from various sides and in different periods, and the complaints that start before the elections, fortunately, they have not been able to prove anything. In various periods, thank God, good, clear, and transparent elections have been held, and this period will also be so, God willing. Of course, there is still a lot of time until the elections, but I want to recommend that the officials of the country ensure that the respect for elections is maintained. Both the Parliament and the government, as well as the judiciary, must maintain the respect for elections. If someone intervenes in various ways, it is not permissible, it is not allowed. The people must see, determine, recognize, and conduct elections according to legal procedures.

Our statements have concluded. I just want to say one sentence: the remarks made by our dear brother after Mr. Larijani's speech truly embarrass me. Although I know they are made out of love, sincerity, and purity—there is no doubt about it—such statements are detrimental to me and to the speaker. Such statements should not be expressed in this manner. We have coincidentally come together in a temporal assembly and are working together; I do one thing, you do another. Such expressions are not pleasing or helpful for human progress. We are all servants of God, and God willing, may we also be servants of the people.

We hope that, God willing, the Almighty God includes us all in His favors.

Peace be upon you and God's mercy and blessings.